The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-05-30
SYNAGOGUE SERVICES.
THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION AID
MINIsTERED TO SIXTEEN
Young didates-Subltmely Beau
tiful Ceremonies Before Large
Congregation.

The most beautiful and solemn OF
all the Jewish ceremonies occurred ut
the Synagogue yesterday morning, in
the confirmation of sixteen youtha and
maideDs Services began at 8 o'clock,
and at 10 o'clock the doors were barred
against all ccmers. Inside the Syna-
gogue large coneree ation were as.
semb ed, and sal with deep interest
and charming patience until the con.
clusion, o'clock p m. Der orations
were profuse and lovely, moro espe-
cially on the altar, in front of which
three large arches of evergreens ap-
peared. Suspended from the center
OF the middle arch was sbield con-
sirncted of white Iosee, on which were
the figures " 16. :" in gold, designating
the number of conffmant5. Each of
the misses carried ia her hand hou.
quet of white fl )wers, and at the close
OF the ceremonies deposited them on
q table, to be preserved along with
other mementoes of the occasion.
A description of the touching SER
vice would require genius above that
possessed by an ordinary writer. From
beginning to erd there is something
which Tivets the attention Ct the spec
tator, be he Jew or Gentle, and i'm.
parts a sense of dep solemnity. To-
deed, even in tbs first part Of the ser
vice, wherein the c)ntirmsnts merely
receive instructions as to the relations
| they have assumed toward God and
the world, the scene is inspiring, Ia
them them the Rabbi leads, with
faN9 q N
prayer, tho whole interspersed with
reepontes by Confrmants and choir.
Progressing further, there are prayers
by number of confirmsn s, adore uses
by others, hymn recitatious. confess
eions Of faith, and singing. The mort
solemn feature of tine ceremonies, near
the close, is the benediction by par
ents aad Rabbi. After a feeling ex-
hortstion to the young people by the
Rabbi they move down the aisles to
where their parents and relatives are
seated, and, raising their long
white veils, receive the kiss of
benediCtion. 1t signifies the
parental blessing and Joy at the step,
and carries with it an influence of
aacredness moving to tears. Not only
these nearly interested, but every one
possessed OF soulful impulees. Par
ticularly Is this true when any men,
Der of the class has neither parent to
whom he or che can cling for support
and guidancs. seated alone, with a
keen sense of sole reliance upon God,
the Rabbi and kind friends, the
orphan member can but give expires
sions TO his or her feelings in food Of
tears. The picture is one Of beautiful
aud deep solemnity, drawing around
the unfortunate one the most tender
chords Of sympathy.
Music, with strict regard for ap-
propriateness, FIRMS a conspicuous
part Of the services. On such occasions
the regular choir is generally rein
forced, both by voices and an orches
ira. This was the case yesterday
Arnold's orchestra participating
In all save the brief re-
sponfes, made with orgar
accompaniment alone. Prof. Wink
Ter, who has served the Temple con
gregstion 80 efficiently and faithfully
fjr over sixteen years, directad anC
presided az the organ. Familiar will
almost every detail OF the synsgegu'
services, gained from long and intelli
gent association and with thorough
system, his line was perfectly main
. tanned.
: The names OF yesterdays confirm
ants are Misses Sadie Baum, Carrie
Bauer, Rachel Bejsch, Carrie Bosch
witE, Carrie Johl, Blanche Loeb, Bell
GohD, Hattie Pump and Masters Dav,
Morris, Abe Johl, Isidore Morris
Joseph samfield, Irwin Vendig, Elizu
, Lehman, Max Cohn and Edwar'
Isaaos.